China's Temu becomes most downloaded app in US.
China's Temu App
Script:
Chinese retailer Pinduoduo's online shopping platform, Temu, has quickly become the most downloaded app in the United States, surpassing Amazon and Walmart. Now, the Boston-based online retailer is looking to capitalize on its popularity after making its Super Bowl debut on Sunday. The commercial encourages consumers to "shop like a billionaire" on Temu's online superstore, which offers everything from home goods to electronics at surprisingly low prices by Western standards.Temu's proposition to users is that they can feel like they're splurging by buying lots of stuff cheaply. For example, a woman's swimsuit on Temu costs just $6.50, while a pair of wireless earphones is priced at $8.50, and an eyebrow trimmer costs only 90 cents. These prices have drawn comparisons to Shein, the Chinese fast fashion upstart that has made significant inroads into markets including the United States.
Temu is considered one of Shein's competitors, along with US-based discount retailer Wish and Alibaba's AliExpress, according to Coresight Research. Temu, pronounced "tee-moo," was launched last year by Pinduoduo, which has approximately 900 million users on its e-commerce platform. Temu uses its parent company's "vast and deep network" to offer a wide range of affordable quality products.
"offers products at very low prices"
Since its rollout in September, the Temu application has been downloaded 24 million times, racking up more than 11 million monthly active users, according to Sensor Tower. The company's appearance on America's biggest stage, the Super Bowl, signals its intention to continue to grow its user base in the US market. This news report provides insight into a growing online shopping platform that offers products at very low prices, a strategy that has gained the attention of American consumers.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - Temu is the most downloaded app in the world. T/F
b) True or False - Shein is one of Temu’s main competitors. T/F
c) True or False - Temu sells some of it’s products in Walmart and Wish. T/F
d) True or False - Since its rollout in September, the Temu application has been downloaded 11 million times. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Surpassing"
b) "Splurging"
c) "Inroads"
d) "Rollout"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Surpassing:
b) Splurging:
c) Inroads:
d) Rollout:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
You and your partner are both interested in trying out Temu, the online shopping platform discussed in the article. One of you is skeptical about the quality of the products because of their low prices, while the other is excited to try it out. Take turns discussing your thoughts on Temu and deciding whether or not to make a purchase.
You and your partner are discussing online shopping platforms. One of you prefers Amazon or Walmart, while the other is curious about Temu and other platforms like Shein and Wish. Take turns discussing the pros and cons of each platform and which one you prefer.
You and your partner are both executives at a retail company that is interested in capitalizing on the popularity of Temu. One of you suggests creating a similar platform to compete with Temu, while the other suggests partnering with Temu to offer your products on their platform. Take turns discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each option and come up with a plan.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Compare and Contrast - What are the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Replica Shopping Debate.
Shopping for fake or replica clothing and jewelry is on the rise on online shopping stores.
Statement: "Replica (fake) shopping is harmless".
In groups discuss the statement above, one group believes that it replica (fake) shopping is harmless and the other thinks its wrong. Come back as a class and debate the issue.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that Temu, an online shopping platform owned by Chinese retailer Pinduoduo, has become the most downloaded app in the United States, surpassing Amazon and Walmart. The article discusses Temu's appearance on the Super Bowl and its proposition to users: shopping like a billionaire without having to be one. The article also highlights the low prices of Temu's products and its comparison to Shein, another Chinese fast fashion company that has gained popularity in the US market. The article was written to inform readers about Temu's growing popularity and its potential to challenge other e-commerce giants in the US market.
Part 2: True or False
A: False B: True C: False D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
a) "Surpassing" Answer: This word means to exceed or go beyond a certain limit or standard. In the context of the article, Temu has surpassed Amazon and Walmart by becoming the most downloaded app in the United States.
b) "Splurging" Answer: I think means spending a large amount of money on something often beyond what is considered necessary or practical. In this article they talk about how customers can buy lost of things cheaply and this can feel like they are spending a lot of money of things they might not even need.
c) "Inroads" Answer: This word refers to progress or advance made in a particular field or area. In the context of the article, Shein, a Chinese fast fashion upstart, has made significant inroads into markets including the United States.
d) "Rollout" Answer: This word refers to the introduction or launch of a new product or service. In the context of the article, Temu was launched last year and since its rollout in September, the application has been downloaded 24 million times.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use: Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Surpassing: His dedication to his studies led to surpassing his classmates in academic achievements, earning him the top spot in the class.
b) Splurging: Last weekend, instead of cooking at home, I felt like splurging a bit, so I ordered my favorite pizza and enjoyed a relaxing evening watching movies.
c) Inroads: The company's marketing team made significant inroads into the international market, securing contracts with several overseas clients.
d) Rollout: The tech company announced the rollout of its new smartphone, promising advanced features and improved performance for users around the world.
Part 7: Writing (example)
Shopping online has its benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, online shopping offers convenience – you can shop from home and find a wide variety of products. It's often easier to compare prices and read reviews before buying. Additionally, online stores are usually open 24/7. However, there are downsides too. You can't see or touch the products before purchasing, which might lead to disappointment. Sometimes, deliveries can be slow or items might not arrive as expected. Also, online shopping might not give you the same personal interaction or support that physical stores offer. It's important to consider both the good and not-so-good aspects before deciding where to shop.
